Coleonema album (White Breath of Heaven) - This is a light, wispy evergreen shrub which grows to 4 to 5 feet tall and as wide with small soft needle-like fragrant foliage that densely clothes the many branches. From pinkish buds the small solitary white flowers crowd the tips of the branches in the winter and spring with such profusion that the plant looks like a cloud of starry white flowers. These flowers have a honey fragrance and attracts bees and butterflies. Plant in full sun to part shade with regular water. It is hardy to about 25 degrees F and tolerates near seaside planting. A great plant for and informal short hedge or near a pathway where its aromatic foliage can be brushed. It is a good filler in floral arrangements. This plant is found naturally growing in coastal areas from Saldanha Bay to the Cape Peninsula in South Africa with the furthest inland locations only about 12 miles from the sea near the base of the southern end of the Bredasdorp Mountains. The name for the genus come from the Greek words 'koleos' meaning "a sheath" and 'nema' meaning "a thread" or "filament" because the filaments of the sterile stamens are enclosed within a fold of the petals. The specific epithet is the from the Latin word 'albus' meaning white in reference to the flower color. This plant was long called Diosma in the trade and other common names include Cape May and White Confetti Bush. We also grow the pink flowering species Coleonema pulchellum, a compact form of this species Coleonema pulchellum 'Compact Form' and a golden foliage form Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold'.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Coleonema album.